Martial arts is a journey of self
discovery. The intent of this web page is to give the reader an impression
what philosophy we espouse in our Dojo - while not wanting to give
the false impression one can comprehend JuJitsu simply by reading or
talking about it. An understanding must come by trying it on the mat,
leaving behind one’s preconceived ideas and reservations. Touching,
exploring and experience is everything. Hopefully we can inspire you
to come and join us in this quest.

This web page is mostly directed at
the beginning martial artist and the non-martial artist - while the
advanced martial artist probably has little new to find in these pages
(though there is always something to learn, otherwise we may as well
cease to exist ).
For our German speaking visitors we have provided an abbreviated section
in German.

"But war, for
a warrior, doesn't mean acts of individual or collective stupidity
or wanton violence.
War, for a warrior, is the total struggle against that individual
self that has deprived man of his power."- Don Juan - The Power of Silence by Carlos Castaneda.

JuJitsu is the Japanese philosophy
of self-defense, relying on skill and technique rather than strength
and speed. JuJitsu includes Escapes, Holds, Chokes, Throws, Strikes,
Kicks, and Rolling and Falling Techniques - in short: everything that
is commonly necessary and used in self defense. The Japanese word JuJitsu
can be translated as the “the practice of giving way.” -
the principle of focused suppleness that allows the weak to overcome
the strong. In the hands of the well trained practitioner JuJitsu is
an extremely effective system of self-defense.

DanZan Ryu JuJitsu was founded by
Master Okazaki in the 1920’s in the Hawaiian Islands, and is
one of the most comprehensive and most widely taught styles of JuJitsu
in the United States, while gaining in popularity on the international
level. Revered for its comprehensive and well thought out training
curriculum encouraging developing one’s personal style, it includes
not only all the pertinent elements of an effective self-defense system,
but also a complete system of resuscitation, massage and healing arts.

There
are few reasons to fight, but there are many reasons to know how to
fight. JuJitsu is not a sport, but a highly evolved form of
self-defense, demanding well conditioned reflexes and a physically
and emotionally balanced personality. By its very nature this demands
systematic, slow and purposeful practice, seeking the necessary control,
balance and suppleness.

JuJitsu can be learned by men, women
and children of all ages. It lends itself not only as an art of self
defense, but
more so as a means of
personal growth. Following the ancient principles, a key prerequisite
for proficiency in these arts is character development. The training
requires self-control, honesty, and a sincere concern for the well-being
of others. To attain true victory over others, one needs to first achieve
victory over one's self - seeing the behavior of others as a mirror
of one’s own behavior.

If you practice this art diligently
it will change you positively - your outlook on life, your self-esteem
- your character. Character
can be seen as those subtle
qualities that distinguish one person from another, or as moral and ethical strength
arising from conscience and mindfulness. - A way to become your true better self
- to refrain from ‘wearing a mask’.

There is little sense transmitting
self-defense skills to someone who lacks self-discipline and personal integrity,
or a person who has little concern for the well-being
of others. These self-defense skills should never be used to provoke a fight,
and one should strive to become helpful, considerate and tolerant in one’s
attitude toward others. It is about balancing mind, body and spirit to replace
old fears with greater awareness and self-confidence. To strive to always practice
moderation in all things. To master oneself and to help others learn to do the
same.

"Argue
for your limitations, and sure enough they are yours."-
Richard Bach, Illusions

Feather River Kodenkan has been teaching
JuJitsu in Plumas County since 1998, for both youth and adults. Being
a member of the Bushidokan
Federation of Dojos, Feather River Kodenkan espouses the proliferation
of DanZan Ryu
ZenYo BuJutsu. We
have also been teaching regular assault prevention courses for women
and men, both in Quincy and Portola. Being accredited with the Amateur
Athletic Union (AAU), the Dojo is insured, and its trainees
benefit from interfacing with other Dojos and guest instructors, both
on the national and international level.

Regular classes are held at the main Dojo in Quincy and at Feather
River Gymnastics in Portola (see schedule of classes for locations).
We also hold an annual summer day camp with classes in the outdoors
at our property near Blairsden in eastern Plumas County.

Sensei Burkhard Bohm holds a blackbelt rank in DanZan Ryu JuJitsu,
and has studied
JuJitsu with Shodai Herb Lague since 1977 at the Bushidokan
Dojo in Sparks, Nevada. He was born in Germany, spent his childhood in Namibia,
Africa, and emigrated to the US in 1976. Living near Blairsden in Eastern Plumas
County since 1984, he makes a living as a consulting ground water hydrologist.
He has also taught for several years as a part time hydrology instructor at Feather
River College in Quincy.